WITHIN three hours of being given a conditional discharge for attempted burglary a 35-year-old man committed a burglary at house in Blackburn.

And his repeat offence led him straight back to a different court and an appointment with a third.

Lee Heath Jones appeared before Blackburn magistrates on Wednesday and was given the conditional discharge.

He was arrested and put before a court in Accrington the following day when he was remanded in custody to Preston Crown Court where he will be sentenced.

Jones, of Lawrence Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary at Norden Hardware, Dixon Street. He was found outside the premises, where the steel shutters had been damaged.

He initially said he had been relieving himself but when police found a glove and a crow bar close by, he had been he admitted responsibility.

Liz Parker, defending, said Jones had not received any benefits since the beginning of November and was struggling financially.

Within three hours of the hearing, Jones broke into an house in Selbourne Mews and stole a PlayStation and games and jewellery worth £400.

When he was arrested this time he admitted a further nine burglaries committed in December and January.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said there was no doubt the magistrates powers were inadequate.

She said: "These offences are committed while he is on bail for similar offences."